Fikes wed 65 years

Robert and Nettie Fike of Madison, celebrated a quiet, but happy, 65th wedding anniversary at home with their family. They were married July 31, 1948 in Cumberland, Md. Mr. Fike is originally from Somerset, Pa., and his wife is from Listie, Pa. In March 1950, they relocated to Painesville and then to Fairport Harbor, where Bob began working for Diamond Akali, and then for Naugatuck Chemical, which later became the Uniroyal Chemical Company. Mr. Fike retired from Uniroyal in 1986 after 34? loyal years. In 1956, the couple moved to Madison, where they cleared the land and built the house that they would raise a family in, and still reside in today. Mr. Fike was an active member of the Antique Automobile Association, building numerous "National Champion" vehicles over the years, and was an active member of the Antique Automobile Racing Association. He is one of the original co-founders of the Madison Old Fashioned Days, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. Mr. Fike's 1926 Ford Model "T" was the first antique car ever to be raffled off at this event. As an avid antique midget race car driver, together with Nettie, the couple traveled across country in their motor home pulling his 1943 Pop Dryer Midget racer. He competed with his friends and fellow race car enthusiasts at race tracks and fairgrounds across the U.S. for many years before finally settling down to enjoy his hobby of restoring modern and antique cars alike. Mr. Fike is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of WWII, serving in Europe with the A Co. 36th Infantry Division, a Lifetime Charter Member of the Madison VFW Post 8548, and the America Legion Jay Wilson Post 112. Mrs. Fike is a proud homemaker, dedicated wife and loving mother and grandmother. She was employed as a cafeteria worker for Madison High School for several years, and is an active member of the Lakeside Rebekah Lodge 431 of Madison since 1975, holding the office of Vice Grand. Mrs. Fike is also known for her love and concern for the birds and animals that stop by her back porch for a meal. The couple have been members of the North Madison Church of Christ, now New Day Christian Church, for over 45 years. Their family includes sons; Roger and Richard both of Madison, and the late Phillip "Bud" Fike, who died while serving with the U.S. Air Force; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who reside in the area. Robert and Nettie Fike emerged from a generation that truly represented America's best. Honest, hard-working, responsible for their own lives, faithful to God and loyal to their Country. The family wishes to acknowledge that they are the best parents anyone could ever hope for, and to wish them many more years of love and happiness to come.